Made in Italy
Soho
Exhibit
__________
Il Chiostro
241 W. 97th St., 13N
NY, NY 10025
800-990-3506
fax: 858-712-3329
Arts
Workshops in Lake Garda
September 27-October 4, 2008
at
the Monastery
of San Tomaso, Gargnano
Price: $1,895
Lake
Garda - Tony Giliberto
Lake Garda in late September/early October is one of the most tranquil and contemplative spots in Italy. The tourists are gone, the weather is still fine and the little towns along the shore are quiet. This is a perfect setting to explore your writing or experiment with photography; to learn a little bit about art and maybe something about life.
We have scheduled concurrently a photography workshop and a retreat for painters. The workshops begin with a first night in Milan together. Then we travel to the town of Gargnano along the lake to the peaceful monastery of San Tomaso where the workshop activities will take place. San Tomaso is on a hill overlooking the lake and two small towns, both within walking distance. Although each program is separate, there will be several opportunities to overlap and share work.
The Workshops (click one for full details):
People and Places, Photographing at Lake Garda with Harvey Stein
Painting - SOLD OUT
General Activities: in addition to the daily activities planned for each workshop above, all participants will have the option to take part in the following:
- Excursion to Verona, Vicenza or Mantua
- Visit to Vittoriale, home of eccentric poet Gabriele D'Annunzio
- Morning hike through the surrounding hills
- Optional lectures on the theme of "Living in Non-Violence"
- Final art and photography exhibition by participants
Convent
of San Tomaso, photo by Cindy Bartosek
Accommodations: After our first night in a small Milan hotel, the program will move to a former Franciscan monastery in the lake town of Gargnano in the Lombardy region of central Italy. Complete with a formal cloister (chiostro), 3 tiers of gardens, a chapel and a bright painting studio, the monastery sits on top of a hill overlooking the serenity of Lake Garda. There is still a small spiritual community that lives on the premises. The rooms - single or double - are small but comfortable each equipped with a sink, toilet and bidet. Showers are down the hall. Our personal chef will prepare meals from the region and we will eat together in the monastery dining room. The town of Gargnano, with cafés, restaurants, shops and a small beach is a short walk down the hill, while other towns lie within walking distance to the left and right. The hills behind the monastery are ideal for early morning hikes and evening stargazing.
This region is situated between Milan and Venice in northern Italy. Lake Garda, shaped by glaciers, is the biggest of the Pre-Alpine lakes and the largest in all of Italy. The climate is temperate and mild supporting the unusual Mediterranean vegetation (vineyards, olive groves and citrus orchards). Gargnano is a small town midway up the western flank of the lake. It is a perfectly formed port with yachts and sailboats bobbing behind a promenade of orange trees and cafes. The region is known for its cuisine and wines like Valpolicella and Soave.
The Place: Throughout history convents have always saved room for passers-by or those needing sanctuary. A convent, from the verb "convenire" to come together, is a meeting place. The spirit of San Tomaso and Il Chiostro combine in this venue at Lake Garda. Once you experience San Tomaso for yourself, you will understand why we say, "We didn't choose San Tomaso, it chose us."
The beauty and simplicity of San Tomaso is enhanced by the presence of the people who direct its activities today. This group of five from different parts of Europe have come together with a vision to find paths toward harmony in the world. Their quest within this respite of peace and calm is to build a community where individuals from all walks of life can come together, appreciating diversity as a resource rather than a threat. Their presence is subtle, yet the power of this vision is palpable from the first moment you pass through the wooden doors and enter the cloister.
Soho
Exhibit